Natural Family Planning

NFP (Natural Family Planning), or FABM (Fertility Awareness Based Methods), is an umbrella term for the various methods to chart a woman's cycle. These methods track various protocols and biomarkers to inform couples about the hormones that drive a woman's menstrual cycle, especially when a woman is fertile and infertile. Ultimately, Fertility Awareness is knowledge. That knowledge opens a whole world for understanding a woman's unique and individual hormonal processes, diagnosing and treating disorders, and planning a family.

"No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife." (Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2010, p. 23)

"Who can use NFP? Any married couple can use NFP! A woman need not have "regular" cycles. NFP education helps couples to fully understand their combined fertility, thereby helping them to either achieve or avoid a pregnancy. The key to the successful use of NFP is cooperation and communication between husband and wife-a shared commitment. NFP is unique among methods of family planning because it enables its users to work with the body rather than against it. Fertility is viewed as a reality to live, not a problem to be solved." (What is NFP? NFP Program, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, see: http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/naturalfamily-planning/what-is-nfp)

Engaged or married couples interested in learning more about NFP/FABM's are encouraged to find a certified instructor through one of the methods listed below (click on "NFP Providers"). In-person and online courses are available.

Creighton Model Fertility Method

The Creighton Model relies upon observation and charting of biological markers of a woman's health and fertility to tell the couple when they are naturally fertile and infertile. This system allows the couple to achieve or to avoid pregnancy.

For the North County Coastal area:
Contact Orchid Fertility Center in Oceanside at 619-630-8086 or anna@orchidfertility.com.

For the North County Inland area:
Contact Culture of Life Family Services FertilityCare Center of Escondido at 760-741-1224/760-741-7010 or pfpndxtr@roadrunner.com.

For the Central San Diego area:
Contact Culture of Life Family Services FertilityCare Center of San Diego at 619-692-4401/619-692-8147 or pfpndxtr@roadrunner.com.

Couple to Couple League

Couple to Couple League "provides Natural Family Planning (NFP) instruction that is both thorough and engaging. You'll learn the Sympto-Thermal Method, a modern, scientific and highly effective way to postpone or achieve pregnancy. With the guidance of a certified teaching couple, you and your fiancé or spouse will benefit from both their knowledge of the method and experience of using NFP in their own marriage. No matter which form of our class you select, you will receive our first-rate program and ongoing support while learning and beyond."
- from ccli.org "Learn NFP from CCL"

To register for a class or find a local instructor, visit www.ccli.org and click on "Search/Register for Classes."

Northwest Family Services

SymptoPro™ is a Sympto-Thermal Method of Fertility Education (NFP) based on changes in a woman's cervical mucus, waking or resting temperature, and cervix. These observable signs change in response to the hormones of the menstrual cycle. It only takes seconds a day for a woman to track her fertility; then the couple interprets the chart and makes a decision based on their family planning intention. SymptoPro™ works through periodic abstinence during the method-defined fertile time for couples who are avoiding a pregnancy. SymptoPro™ can be used effectively throughout a woman's entire reproductive life. Regular cycles are NOT required.

- from symptopro.org "About Our Method"

To find a local instructor or register for a class, visit symptopro.org.

Family of the Americas

One of the most significant accomplishments of the twentieth century in the field of human reproduction has been the development of a natural method of family planning: The Ovulation Method. This method teaches women to be aware of the unique properties of a natural secretion produced periodically throughout her reproductive years. Not only does the presence of this secretion signal fertility, it is also essential for conception.

- from familyplanning.net/en/overview "Overview"

To find a local instructor or register for a class in English, contact Brenda Heyman at (619) 994-2934.

To find a local instructor or register for a class in Spanish, please contact Marisa Gallardo at the Diocesan Office for Family Life & Spirituality (858-490-8299).